Wellfleet, Mass., January 15, 2024 – Outer Cape Health Services is alerting residents to a significant increase in influenza cases across the Outer and Lower Cape communities. According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, flu activity is on a sharp rise statewide, as evidenced by a significant increase on both positive test results and hospitalizations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention meanwhile reports flu activity nationwide is widespread, with 40 states experiencing high or very high levels of influenza.
“Influenza is a serious respiratory illness that can lead to severe health complications, especially for vulnerable populations,” said Dr. Marie Constant, Chief Population Health OQicer at OCHS. “We strongly encourage all residents who have not yet received their flu vaccine to do so.”
The CDC recommends annual flu vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older. Vaccination is particularly important for those at higher risk of serious flu complications, including:
- Children younger than 5 years old, especially those under 2 years old
- Adults 65 years and older
- Pregnant women
- Individuals with chronic health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease
Receiving the flu vaccine can prevent illness and reduce the severity of symptoms. It also helps decrease the spread of the virus within the community, protecting those who are more susceptible to complications.
In addition to vaccination, OCHS advises residents to practice preventive measures, including frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and staying home when experiencing flu-like symptoms.
Flu vaccines are available at all OCHS locations. To schedule a vaccination appointment or for more information, please visit www.outercape.org or call (508) 905-2888
About Outer Cape Health Services:
Outer Cape Health Services is a community health center organization with locations in Harwich Port, Provincetown and Wellfleet. Our mission is to provide a full range of primary health care and supportive social services that promote the health and well-being of all who live in or visit the ten outermost towns of Cape Cod. OCHS cares for more than 18,000 patients annually, and no one is denied access to services due to an inability to pay. Founded in 1987 through the merger of Health Associates of Provincetown and the AIM Medical Center in Wellfleet, Outer Cape Health has a long history of successful growth and expansion in pursuit of this mission. Outer Cape Health Services, Inc. (OCHS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is governed by a Board of Directors representative of its community. All board members live on Cape Cod and the majority are OCHS patients.
For additional information about Outer Cape Health Services, click here.